Ram 1500 - 2013

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Overview

Autoweek Review

Pricing

Ram has upped its game in 2013 with the new 1500 pickup. The full-size truck is offered with either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive in a host of models and configurations. Regular cab trucks seat three across and feature bed lengths of either 76 inches or 96 inches. Quad Cabs feature two smaller rear doors and seat up to six passengers, with only the 76-inch bed available. Finally, Crew Cabs have four full-sized doors, seat six with even more leg room, and are paired with either a 67-inch or 76-inch bed. Within those configurations, several different models are offered: Tradesman, Express, HFE, R/T, SLT, Lone Star/Bighorn, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn.

Tradesman models are powered by a 310-hp 4.7L V8, which is rated to tow up to 6,450 pounds; HFE and SLT models benefit from the new PentaStar 305-hp 3.6L V6 and 8-speed transmission, good for towing up to 4,800 pounds; and all other Ram 1500s utilize the 390-hp 5.7L Hemi V8 and 6-speed automatic, which will tow up to 7,200 pounds. Ram plans to upgrade all 6-speeds to the new 8-speed by 2014.

SLT models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power rear sliding window in Crew and Quad Cabs and active grille shutters, which close off airflow up front to cut drag and improve fuel economy when cooling isn't needed. Additionally, Uconnect on the SLT includes SiriusXM satellite radio. In the HFE, in addition to the SLT features, you'll find an engine stop-start system to improve fuel economy and a tri-fold tonneau cover.

Ram R/T models are available only as 2-wheel drive regular cabs with the 76-inch bed. They feature 22-inch polished alloy wheels, smoked bi-functional halogen projector beam headlights, smoked LED taillights and LED interior lighting, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and Uconnect 8.4, which includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and available navigation -- a dealer-installed feature. Sport models are equipped largely the same, but with 20-inch wheels and availability across the full range of Ram cab and driveline configurations.

The Ram Outdoorsman provides a tougher exterior appearance, with the addition of off-road tires and tow hooks, as well as power folding, heated, auto-dimming side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Remote start is also included on the Outdoorsman.